Bangladesh will now be able to use Pakistan’s Karachi Port, marking a significant step forward in regional trade relations. The decision was announced during the ninth session of the Joint Economic Commission (JEC) between Bangladesh and Pakistan — the first such meeting in nearly 20 years.
Held at the Planning Commission in Agargaon, Dhaka, the meeting was co-chaired by Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Economic Adviser to the Government of Bangladesh, and Ali Parvez Malik, Pakistan’s Minister of Energy. Discussions covered expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture research, information technology, halal food, maritime transport, and education, including possible Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
During the session, Bangladesh requested duty-free and quota-free access for Bangladeshi products to the Pakistani market. In response, Pakistan stated that Bangladesh could use the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) for trade with China and other countries if desired.
Following the meeting, Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed remarked,
“This meeting, after two decades, carries immense significance. We had constructive discussions on agriculture, trade, information technology, and food sectors.”
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Minister Ali Parvez Malik noted,
“This dialogue will further strengthen the people-to-people and trade relations between our two nations. We also see strong potential for importing jute and pharmaceuticals from Bangladesh.”
Both sides agreed to hold regular JEC meetings in the future to strengthen economic and commercial ties between Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Source: The Daily Ittefaq, Shomoy Er Alo
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